Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Closest approach of Mars...

to Earth occurs today, when our neighbor in the solar system will be only 61.7 million miles (99 million km) away, closer than it will be again until March 2014.
Peaking at magnitude -1.3, Mars will outshine all stars and other planets (except Sirius and Jupiter). Use the star chart provided above (click to enlarge) to find the red planet in the early evening night sky. Read more here about this opportunity to observe Mars up close.

Image credit: Star chart courtesy Spaceweather.com.
Posted by J.P. Buchanan at 6:57 AM
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2 comments:

  1. AnonymousJanuary 27, 2010 at 1:38 PM

    Can Mars be viewed by telescope tonight then? I would love to see it! Thanks!
    -MLD

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  2. J.P. BuchananJanuary 27, 2010 at 1:59 PM

    It can be viewed tonight, and through most of the summer. But the next few weeks will be the best opportunity as it will be at its largest and brightest. Hope for clear skies.

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